Since the first-generation Jeep Wranglers came into production, they were focused on being used as an adventurous vehicle.
The greatest problem with any Jeep Wrangler, especially if you are planning a long offroad trip, is storage capacity; some models even have a minuscule 203 dm³/12387.8 in³ luggage compartment (less than half that of a VW T-Cross and almost a third that of a Toyota RAV4).
With the lack of storage inside the Wrangler, the next best option is to tow a trailer. But before you look for a trailer, how much can a Jeep Wrangler Tow?
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How Much Can a Jeep Wrangler Tow?
It ranges from 2000lb up to 7650lb (907kg up to 3470kg), depending on the chassis models, wheelbase length, and engine size of those models.
As you can see, there’s a big difference, so you must know what Jeep Wrangler you have and how much it can tow.
We are going to look into each chassis model and see what their towing capacity is.
How Much Can a Wrangler YJ Tow?
Due to the short 93.4 inches (2372 mm) wheelbase, the Jeep Wrangler YJ has a towing capacity of 2000lb (907kg).
The Jeep Wrangler YJ was produced from 1986 to 1995 and was only available as a 2-door. Some people don’t see the first two years of production as Wranglers since, in those years, it was produced by AMC and not Chrysler.
How Much Can a Jeep Wrangler TJ Tow?
The TJ had the same problem as the YJ with a short wheelbase of 93.4 inches; the Jeep Wrangler TJ has a towing capacity of 2000lb (907kg).
The Jeep Wrangler TJ was in production from 1996 to 2006 and was only available as a 2-door. An interesting tidbit is you can buy a locally sold right-hand drive model in America; the postal services used these right-hand drive models.
How Much Can a Jeep Wrangler JK Tow?
With the addition of the 4-door variant, the Jeep Wrangler now had two towing ratings.
With a short wheelbase of 95.4 inches (2423 mm), the Jeep Wrangler JK 2 door has a towing capacity of 2000lb (907kg).
With a long wheelbase of 116 inches (2946mm), the Jeep Wrangler JK 4 door has a towing capacity of 3500lb (1587kg).
The Jeep Wrangler JK was in production from 2007 to 2018; this was the first Jeep Wrangler model that was available as a 4-door. It is also interesting that the second model (the TJ model was the first) was assembled in Cairo, Egypt, under the AAV (Arab American Vehicles) manufacturer.
How Much Can a Jeep Wrangler JL Tow?
With a short wheelbase of 96.8 inches (2459 mm), the Jeep Wrangler JL 2 door has a towing capacity of 2000lb (907kg).
With a long wheelbase of 118.4 inches (3007 mm), the Jeep Wrangler JL 4 door has a towing capacity of 3500lb (1587kg).
The Jeep Wrangler JL started production in 2018; this is the first factory-fitted V8 Jeep Wrangler in production and the first Jeep Wrangler to be built in India under the FIAL (FCA India Automobiles Private Limited) name.
How Much Can a Jeep Gladiator JT Tow?
The normal Jeep Gladiator JT has a towing capacity of 4000lb (1814kg).
The Jeep Gladiator JT, with the heavy-duty towing package, has a towing capacity of 7650lb (3470kg).
The Jeep Gladiator is the newest chassis range of the Wrangler, it is seen as a separate model, but it is based on the Wrangler JL. Did you know Jeep didn’t use the Gladiator name for over 30 years? Weirdly enough, you can’t get the Jeep Gladiator with a factory-fitted V8 as of yet.
The Gladiator has two chassis variants: the normal and the heavy-duty towing package.
Note: The diesel variants have a lower towing capacity.
Final Thoughts
Luckily it is quite easy to remember that all the 2-door Jeep Wrangler models are capped at a towing capacity of 2000lb (907kg), and all the 4-door models are capped at 3500lb (1587kg), and only the Gladiator is different with a towing max of 4000lb (1814kg) for the non-towing package and 7650lb (3470kg) with the towing package.
By knowing these towing limits, your Wrangler will perform at the upper end of the Jeep reliability scales, and not falter when the going gets tough.
FAQs
Can a Jeep Wrangler Tow 5000 lb?
Only the Jeep Gladiator with the heavy-duty towing package can do it safely. Any Wrangler can in an emergency, but not for long distances or extreme inclines and downhills; in all cases, it is a bad idea to ignore the factory-recommended tow ratings.
Is a Jeep Wrangler a Good Tow Vehicle?
For the market, it is designed to have an acceptable towing rating. I won’t recommend the short-wheelbase models as a daily towing vehicle; short wheelbases don’t give you as a driver a lot of confidence while towing and can feel unsettled most of the time. The Jeep Wrangler is a good tow vehicle for normal camp-related/vacation towing.
Can You Tow At Max Capacity?
Yes, (generally) manufacturers will make the max towing capacity lower than what the chassis can handle to prevent the chassis from breaking or bending in certain extreme conditions, like offroading. So there is no harm in being at the max towing capacity.
Can I Tow More Than My Towing Capacity?
Yes, for short off-road situations, but not for long distances. If the trailer or towed object weighs more or doesn’t have a trailer braking system, you will be more prone to experience a jack-knife situation. Towing above the recommended weight can also lead to chassis, drivetrain, and engine damage.
